INDIANAPOLIS (AP): Indiana is one of five states without hate crime laws, but that could soon change under a bill advancing in the Legislature.

A measure before the House would allow characteristics such as a victim’s race, gender identity and sexual orientation to be considered during sentencing. The bill was previously approved by the Senate.

Sen. Susan Glick, a LaGrange Republican, is one of the bill’s sponsors. She says the measure would demonstrate that Indiana does not tolerate discrimination.

Similar measures have failed in the past, but this year’s bill comes as legislators face scrutiny for killing a bill that would have extended discrimination protections to lesbian, gay and bisexual people.